Fetal fibronectin concentration in amniotic fluid decreases with advancing gestational age.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in the level of fetal fibronectin in amniotic fluid during the course of pregnancy.


METHODS
Amniotic fluid samples were obtained from 74 women whose pregnancies ranged in gestation from 14 to 38 weeks. Fetal fibronectin in amniotic fluid was examined with a sensitive immunoassay using a monoclonal antibody FDC-6 which recognizes a unique epitope (III-CS) of the molecule.


RESULTS
Fetal fibronectin levels in amniotic fluid decreased significantly during pregnancy (r = -0.79, P < 0.0001). The mean levels at less than 20 weeks of gestation were significantly higher than those at 20-29 weeks (P < 0.0001) and at 30 weeks to term (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results must be considered when fetal fibronectin in vaginal fluid is used as an indicator of the rupture of membranes.
Negishi
H
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University, School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan.
Yamada
H
H
Okuyama
K
K
Sagawa
T
T
Makinoda
S
S
Fujimoto
S
S
D000328:Adult; D000653:Amniotic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005260:Female; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005353:Fibronectins / Q000032:analysis* / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D011247:Pregnancy; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D005326:Fetal Proteins; D005353:Fibronectins